With the 2027 ODI World Cup just over a year away, discussions around Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future in the format continue to gather pace. While both senior batters remain central to India’s plans, former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta believes the team can no longer afford them the luxury of taking a couple of matches to regain rhythm after long breaks from ODI cricket.
India’s recent 2-1 ODI series defeat to England has once again brought the spotlight on the experienced duo. Rohit scored 175 runs across three innings, while Kohli contributed 144, but neither could prevent India from slipping to a rare bilateral series loss.
Dasgupta said the issue is about lack of regular ODI cricket in the current calendar.
‘There Isn’t Enough Time Anymore’
With India’s next ODI assignment scheduled only in late September against the West Indies, Dasgupta pointed out that long gaps between matches make it difficult for players to immediately hit top form.
“When Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli return after a break, they can’t take two games to find their groove. There just aren’t enough ODIs anymore,” he said.
Unlike previous years, the international calendar is now dominated by Test cricket and T20Is, leaving limited opportunities for specialist ODI players to prepare. That has made every bilateral series increasingly important, especially with the World Cup approaching.
Single-Format Role Adds to the Debate
Dasgupta also believes the conversation surrounding Rohit and Kohli has intensified because both now feature only in ODI cricket for India following their retirements from T20 internationals and Test cricket.
With fewer appearances throughout the year, every innings is scrutinised more closely than before. A couple of low scores can quickly trigger questions about form, fitness and whether India should begin looking at younger options.
However, Dasgupta maintained that the focus should be on ensuring the senior batters are ready to perform from the start whenever they return rather than needing multiple games to settle in.
Road to the 2027 World Cup
India have just over 15 months to finalise their squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. While Rohit and Kohli remain among the first names on the teamsheet, the limited ODI schedule means there is little room for experimentation or prolonged dips in form.
As India continues to balance experience with the emergence of younger players, Dasgupta believes the challenge is no longer about whether Rohit and Kohli are good enough. It is about ensuring they are match-ready whenever India need them, because every ODI from now until the World Cup carries added significance.
